Every time I read your posts I wonder how you are so very in my head. Also, has anyone done a study on ADHD brains and trains? I've always wondered why train travel (especially long distance) is like a massage for my brain, and this is the third time I've noticed this possible connection* recently.
* I will not fall into this research rabbit hole right now but might schedule a future rabbit hole for this curiosity. And I will try to remember to set a timer. Need to get better about that. Thank you!
When you posted the ADHD two-parter in November 2023, I was on a waitlist for ADHD evaluation because I finally decided that a) my diagnosed-at-nine son might have inherited that from me and b) I needed to know.
Last week I celebrated my one year anniversary of receiving an official diagnosis. I've been learning how to manage, and how to forgive myself for failing at many things I've tried. At 59, it is not too late. I will be putting your latest tips to good use, Rebecca! Thank you.
I only started listening to Rain on Tent this morning (after reading this) and it’s already changed my life. Promise me, though, that it won’t stop working in three days like all those other ADHD hacks?!
1) I'm almost surprised you didn't mention Chris Hayes' "The Siren's Call." It not only analyzes the attention economy, but makes very similar suggestions that you make.
2) Rain on Tent is genius. I spend way too much time trying to find the perfect writing accompaniment playlist.
3) For years, when I walked the dog, I also picked up litter with a trashpicker. I made a lot of creative breakthroughs doing this repetitive task, and also felt good, because no matter how difficult the day, I could go to sleep counting the bags of trash I picked up like sheep. (After my dog died, I do it only rarely. But I did get a blog out of it - The Trash Whisperer.)
4) I often will pose a specific writing dilemma to myself before I go to sleep. For example, "Should I interchange chapters between my mother and my father life or do Part 1 Mother, Part II Father?" Sometimes I wake up with clarity on what choice to make. (Because sleep is sort of the anti-ADHD, no?)
5) I suffer conflict sometimes over whether to write on Substack or write-write, only because it's been drummed into me that an agent wants a well-developed platform, and the only way to do that is a) write on it; 2) read and comment on others so they follow you. But I figure if Rebecca Makkai can do both, so can I.
6) I am medicating my political rage by adopting a family in Gaza and keeping them afloat, (with some help from friends). I can't recommend such direct action highly enough, and feels like a direct rebuke to the foreign aid cuts ravaging the world. Much more satisfying than generic charity giving - as I have come to know the beautiful individuals I'm giving too. Keeps me in empathy and gratitude.
7) My dance break song: Marvin Gaye's "Got to Give It Up."
For what it's worth, the platform thing genuinely only seems to matter if a) you have zillllllions of followers; or b) you're writing general nonfiction and need to have evidence that you're an expert in your field. Other than that, you just need to be findable online.
That's worth a lot! I guess, to be super-honest about it, the more urgent desire to get some sort of current reaction to what I post. That's always been the attraction to blogging -- you have to wait a long time to finish a book, God knows screenplays are much worse, but a few likes or restacks or "nice work" comments can buoy me through the delayed-gratification writing. But now I can let go of this particular rationalization, so thank you.
I unexpectedly experienced a flood of ideas (potential breakthroughs) alone on a ski lift yesterday. I'm used to this happening when I'm walking my dog, sitting on a plane, or driving my car (without Pod Save or the like playing, as you said), but never before on a lift that I remember. Gave my ski day a whole new purpose.
I 100% needed to read this for many reasons -- and the tip about plot goals versus word count goals just changed my life as a new writer! Thank you, as always, for teaching and making me laugh.
This is so useful, thank you! Have you written, or do you have any thoughts, about how to unwind your brain after a period of hyperfocus? I could use some advice on that as well…
I had totally missed that you are a fellow ADHDer- it has made me appreciate you even more. This was such a brilliant and helpful post and made me feel much more sane (on multiple levels). THANK YOU.
Every time I read your posts I wonder how you are so very in my head. Also, has anyone done a study on ADHD brains and trains? I've always wondered why train travel (especially long distance) is like a massage for my brain, and this is the third time I've noticed this possible connection* recently.
* I will not fall into this research rabbit hole right now but might schedule a future rabbit hole for this curiosity. And I will try to remember to set a timer. Need to get better about that. Thank you!
When you posted the ADHD two-parter in November 2023, I was on a waitlist for ADHD evaluation because I finally decided that a) my diagnosed-at-nine son might have inherited that from me and b) I needed to know.
Last week I celebrated my one year anniversary of receiving an official diagnosis. I've been learning how to manage, and how to forgive myself for failing at many things I've tried. At 59, it is not too late. I will be putting your latest tips to good use, Rebecca! Thank you.
I only started listening to Rain on Tent this morning (after reading this) and it’s already changed my life. Promise me, though, that it won’t stop working in three days like all those other ADHD hacks?!
Thank you, Rebecca. You help keep me sane.
1) I'm almost surprised you didn't mention Chris Hayes' "The Siren's Call." It not only analyzes the attention economy, but makes very similar suggestions that you make.
2) Rain on Tent is genius. I spend way too much time trying to find the perfect writing accompaniment playlist.
3) For years, when I walked the dog, I also picked up litter with a trashpicker. I made a lot of creative breakthroughs doing this repetitive task, and also felt good, because no matter how difficult the day, I could go to sleep counting the bags of trash I picked up like sheep. (After my dog died, I do it only rarely. But I did get a blog out of it - The Trash Whisperer.)
4) I often will pose a specific writing dilemma to myself before I go to sleep. For example, "Should I interchange chapters between my mother and my father life or do Part 1 Mother, Part II Father?" Sometimes I wake up with clarity on what choice to make. (Because sleep is sort of the anti-ADHD, no?)
5) I suffer conflict sometimes over whether to write on Substack or write-write, only because it's been drummed into me that an agent wants a well-developed platform, and the only way to do that is a) write on it; 2) read and comment on others so they follow you. But I figure if Rebecca Makkai can do both, so can I.
6) I am medicating my political rage by adopting a family in Gaza and keeping them afloat, (with some help from friends). I can't recommend such direct action highly enough, and feels like a direct rebuke to the foreign aid cuts ravaging the world. Much more satisfying than generic charity giving - as I have come to know the beautiful individuals I'm giving too. Keeps me in empathy and gratitude.
7) My dance break song: Marvin Gaye's "Got to Give It Up."
For what it's worth, the platform thing genuinely only seems to matter if a) you have zillllllions of followers; or b) you're writing general nonfiction and need to have evidence that you're an expert in your field. Other than that, you just need to be findable online.
That's worth a lot! I guess, to be super-honest about it, the more urgent desire to get some sort of current reaction to what I post. That's always been the attraction to blogging -- you have to wait a long time to finish a book, God knows screenplays are much worse, but a few likes or restacks or "nice work" comments can buoy me through the delayed-gratification writing. But now I can let go of this particular rationalization, so thank you.
I unexpectedly experienced a flood of ideas (potential breakthroughs) alone on a ski lift yesterday. I'm used to this happening when I'm walking my dog, sitting on a plane, or driving my car (without Pod Save or the like playing, as you said), but never before on a lift that I remember. Gave my ski day a whole new purpose.
I 100% needed to read this for many reasons -- and the tip about plot goals versus word count goals just changed my life as a new writer! Thank you, as always, for teaching and making me laugh.
I have ADHD & use the Notes app for MY to-do lists too. I deserve a reward for EVERY task I finish‼️☺️
Brilliant advice, as always. Going to listen to Rain on Tent now..
This is so useful, thank you! Have you written, or do you have any thoughts, about how to unwind your brain after a period of hyperfocus? I could use some advice on that as well…
I had totally missed that you are a fellow ADHDer- it has made me appreciate you even more. This was such a brilliant and helpful post and made me feel much more sane (on multiple levels). THANK YOU.
Thank you, Rebecca. You said out loud all the things. Let’s keep going.
This is all so goddamn smart. And funny. Appreciate a Clarice meme.
Best advice ever! Thank you!!
This is great, R!
I love this! So awesome! And helpful and funny and real and engaging. Thank YOU, girl.